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Common Questions About Becoming a Retailer
To help retailers learn more about becoming Ladies First product dealers, we've put together some common questions and answers that we hope you'll find helpful. If you are interested in learning more about our products, visit our customer Q & A page.
If we didn't answer your question below, please contact us.
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I plan to open a post mastectomy fitting business. How do I begin? |
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The first step to opening your own fitting business is do some research. Visit local hospitals, mammography and radiation facilities, nurses, oncologists and surgeons. Ask how many mastectomies, breast reconstruction surgeries and lumpectomies are done annually. Keep in mind there are large numbers of one, five, ten and even twenty year survivors who will also require your services. This will help you determine the size of your future customer base and also help you when ordering your initial inventory.
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How do I become a provider for Medicare and private insurance companies? |
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You must apply to become a Medicare Provider in your specific region. For information call CMMS (formerly HCFA) - NATIONAL SUPPLIER CLEARINGHOUSE at 1-866-238-9652. When accepted you will be given a provider number, this process may take up to six months to complete. Ask local physicians which insurance companies and HMO's they work with. Write a letter of interest addressed to the Contracting Department of each. They may require that you provide a copy of your business license, certifications and a retail price list.
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How much inventory will I need? How do I determine which products to order? |
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Are you going to specialize in post mastectomy bras and prosthesis and SOFTEE® recovery camisoles only? Do you plan to offer complementary lines such as swimwear, wigs, hats & Caps, lingerie, skincare products, lymphedema sleeves? It is a good idea to start out small, with a few products and styles in every size until you determine what the preference and demand is. Add additional lines slowly as you build your customer list and beware of manufacturers who require you to sign contracts for large quantities of product. Ladies First has no minimum order requirement.
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Why should I carry Ladies First products? |
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Ladies First products are unique. All are designed by a breast cancer survivor and test marketed extensively in the breast cancer community. These quality designs are affordable, comfortable and feminine alternatives to traditional post mastectomy products. Our customer service staff is knowledgeable and helpful, never pushy or hard sell. We genuinely care about your success and the satisfaction of the women you serve.
All Ladies First products are made in the USA from the softest fabrics and highest quality materials. All of our garments are LATEX FREE and hypoallergenic. Packaged and presented beautifully with a feminine touch, these unique and comforting products are attractive, functional and durable.
After well over a decade we are still listening to what women want, need and ask for. With integrity and experience we continue to grow and offer high quality solutions to meet the special needs of breast cancer survivors.
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Am I required to have special training or a certificate to fit post mastectomy products? |
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Before you can purchase products from a manufacturer, most will require that you are certified. You may contact the Board for Orthotist/Prothetist Certification (BOC) at 877-776-2200 or visit www.bocusa.org, for more information about their New Certified Mastectomy Fitter Program.
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Which style is best for my customer? |
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All of our SOFTEE® camisoles are covered by Medicare, many HMOs, PPOs, and private insurance companies. Each style is uniquely designed to meet the various needs of women at different stages in her life, from recovery, throughout healing, and beyond into long term survivorship. All designs offer the comfort, restored shape and confidence the SOFTEE® is named for. One of our lightweight styles will be the perfect answer for comfort with confidence, whether during her hospital stay, or later as an alternative for sleep, leisure, work and recreation as she returns to a busy and active lifestyle.
SOFTEE® CamisolesWhen you detail your local healthcare community and leave SOFTEE® brochures stamped with your business information, women will have the opportunity to come to your store before surgery. For this customer, the SOFTEE® TWO Recovery Camisole with 'Roo' pocket to store the post surgical drains is the best option to meet her immediate post operative needs. Available in white only, with or without stretch camisole lace at the neckline.
If you see the customer after surgery and healing, you may suggest the Original SOFTEE® which is a comfortable choice for leisure times, and is available in four beautiful color choices of white, pink, beige and black.
For the customer completely healed who is looking for a little more lift, the SUPPORT SOFTEE® is the ideal selection. With double band construction, this SOFTEE® is shorter at the midriff, yet offers the same comfort and lightweight restored shape. This garment is also a great choice for your bilateral customers. Available in white and black.
For the patient going through the stages of breast reconstructive surgery, the SOFTEE® RECONSTRUCTION Recovery Camisole offers her the option to conveniently adjust the size of the poly-fil breast form as needed, to maintain a balanced and natural appearance. This SOFTEE® comes with the 'Roo' pocket to store the surgical drains, and one soft breast form. Additional breast forms for bilateral surgeries are sold separately. Available in white only, with or without stretch camisole lace at the neckline.
We recommend that you carry a full inventory of styles in every size in order to accommodate the immediate needs and requests of all your customers.
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